Proposed foreign direct investments in Thailand rose 55 per cent in the first five months of the year to 122 billion baht , led by Japanese automakers that want to expand production in South-East Asia's second biggest economy - $4.4 billion - Thailand - Brief Article

Business Asia, July, 2003

Proposed foreign direct investments in Thailand rose 55 per cent in the first five months of the year to 122 billion baht ($4.4 billion), led by Japanese automakers that want to expand production in South-East Asia's second biggest economy. Japanese companies accounted for almost half of the investment, Somphong Wanapha, secretary general of Thailand's Board of Investment says, adding that Thailand estimates foreign investment this year to rise to 200 billion baht.

Automobile companies such as Toyota Motor are using Thailand as a manufacturing bas for South-East Asia because of cheaper labour and suppliers.